Ailments

Cuts, Scrapes, Burns, and Bruises

Minor Cuts/Scrapes

Clean the wound with soap and water. Press on cut for up to 10 minutes to stop the bleeding. Use sterile or wet gauze. If still bleeding, lift the part of the body with the cut higher than the heart. After the bleeding has stopped, apply first aid cream. Keep the cut clean and dry. Change dressing or band aid every 24 hours.

Burns

Use cold water or place a cold wet washcloth on burn for 15 minutes or until pain subsides. Do not put ice directly on burn. Do not use ointments until skin is closed. Cover the area with sterile gauze. Aloe Vera can be applied over closed skin 3-4 times a day. Do not break blisters.

Bruises

Apply a cold pack to the bruised area as soon as possible. Keep the cold pack on for 10 minutes at a time. Take it off for 30-60 minutes; repeat several times a day for two days. Two days after the injury, use a warm compress for 20 minutes at a time.

Powell, D. (2006). Healthier at home: The proven guide to self-care & being a wise health consumer. Farmington Hills, MI: American Institute for Preventive Medicine.

Headaches and Fevers

Headaches

Take over-the-counter pain medicine as directed. Message the back of your neck with your thumbs. Rub gently along the sides of your eyes. Take a warm bath or shower. Rest in a quiet dark room with your eyes closed. keep a diary of when where and why your headaches occur. Avoid, smoking, and excess caffeine.

Fever

Call a doctor if your fever is over 104 F. Drink lots of fluids. Take a sponge bath using cold water, do not use rubbing alcohol. Take over-the-counter pain medicine as directed.

Reasons to Call a Provider

  • Fever over 100 F for three consecutive days
  • Severe, quick onset of a headache and pain that peaks rapidly
  • confusion
  • memory loss
  • slurred speech
  • dizziness
  • nausea
  • numbness
  • seizures
  • headache that begins after injury to the head

Powell, D. (2006). Healthier at home: The proven guide to self-care & being a wise health consumer. Farmington Hills, MI: American Institute for Preventive Medicine.

Diarrhea, Stomach Ache, and Vomiting

Diarrhea

Until the diarrhea subsides, avoid caffeine, milk products, and greasy, high fiber or very sweet foods. do not exercise too hard. Take over the counter Imodium or Pepto Bismol as directed.

Stomach Ache

Find a comfortable position and relax. Take over-the-counter pain medications as directed. Apply heating pad. Do not exercise too hard. D not wear restrictive clothing.

Vomiting

Do not smoke, drink alcohol, or take aspirin. Do not eat solid foods. Do not drink milk. Drink clear liquids at room temperature. Take small sips. Stir carbonated beverages to get out all the bubbles. Gradually return to a regular diet at least 8 hours after your last episode of vomiting. Eat foods that are easy to digest and avoid greasy or fatty foods.

Reasons to Call Provider

  • Black or bloody stools
  • Greater than 6 watery stools (children)
  • Dehydration (symptoms include: dry mouth and armpits, confusion, and decreased urination)
  • Moderate to severe abdominal pain
  • Dehydration (dry mouth, armpits, confusion,decreased urination)
  • Vomit of an unusual color (green, bloody, black)

Powell, D. (2006). Healthier at home: The proven guide to self-care & being a wise health consumer. Farmington Hills, MI: American Institute for Preventive Medicine.

Sunburns, Rashes, Blisters, and Splinters

Sunburns

Avoid exposure to mid-day sun (10am-4pm). Use sunblock with a least SPF 30. Avoid tanning lamps and salons.

Heat Rashes

Bathe in cool water without soap every couple of hours. Let skin air dry. Apply calamine lotion to itchy areas. Stay in cool, dry area.

Blisters

Do not pop a small blister that is less than 1 inch across; if larger, pop with a sterile needle to drain. Wash area with soap and water. Apply antibiotic ointment and cove with a bandage.

Splinters

Do not pop a small blister that is less than 1 inch across; if larger, pop with a sterile needle to drain. Wash area with soap and water. Apply antibiotic ointment and cove with a bandage.

Powell, D. (2006). Healthier at home: The proven guide to self-care & being a wise health consumer. Farmington Hills, MI: American Institute for Preventive Medicine.

Coughs and Sore Throats

Coughs and Sore Throats

Drink lots of liquids; hot drinks like tea with lemon and honey will soothe the throat. Suck on cough drops or hard candy. Take over-the-counter medication with dextromethorphan, as directed. Make your own cough medicine: Mix 1 part lemon juice and 2 parts honey.

Reasons to Call a Provider

  • Painful swallowing
  • A cough that has persisted more than 2 weeks
  • Earache
  • Symptoms that persist more than 7 days
  • Swelling around eyes
  • Redness around eyes
  • Vision problems

Powell, D. (2006). Healthier at home: The proven guide to self-care & being a wise health consumer. Farmington Hills, MI: American Institute for Preventive Medicine.